Africa-focused international firm Asafo & Co welcomes Aïssatou Sylla as a partner while launching TMT practice

With governments across Africa having identified digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance as a key priority to drive economic growth, investment, and innovation, the arrival of leading TMT lawyer Aïssatou Sylla as a new partner comes at a pivotal time, says Africa-focused international firm Asafo & Co.

“Aïssatou’s arrival reflects our commitment to supporting Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy,” says Pascal Agboyibor, the Managing Partner of Asafo & Co, which has offices in Abidjan, Casablanca, Johannesburg, London, Mombasa, Nairobi, Paris, and Washington DC. “Her expertise in data governance, cybersecurity, and cross-border digital projects will strengthen our ability to guide clients through complex, technology-driven transactions and regulatory challenges.”

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is further accelerating change, redefining industries, driving policy reform, and transforming the way businesses operate.

From the Paris office, Aïssatou will lead the development of Asafo & Co’s new Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice. She brings over 15 years of experience in technology, media, and telecommunications law, with a strong focus on IT contracts, complex digital projects, artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity, electronic transactions, telecommunications, copyright, database rights, personality rights, and media and entertainment (including streaming and social media).

Dually qualified in New York and Paris, Aïssatou brings a unique perspective on cross-border transactions. Having worked extensively across both Francophone and Anglophone Africa advising companies, governments and regulators, she offers a thorough understanding of the continent’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem.

“I am delighted to join Asafo & Co at a time when technology and data are at the heart of Africa’s growth story,” she says. “I look forward to working with our clients to address complex digital challenges and to support their innovation and investment strategies.”

Prior to joining Asafo & Co, an international law firm established to deliver a unique offering of world class legal services dedicated to Africa-related business, Aissatou held senior roles at other leading international firms, most recently as Counsel in IP, Data and Technology at Dentons. She has also worked in various in-house roles.

Along with leading the development of the new TMT practice, Aïssatou will collaborate closely with Asafo & Co’s Project Development, M&A/Private Equity, and Dispute Resolution teams, providing strategic support on large-scale, data-intensive projects. Her expertise will enhance the firm’s ability to advise on the digital dimensions of major infrastructure developments, cross-border investments, and contentious matters involving technology projects or data management.